Kennedy Lugar YES Exchange Program 2027 for Pakistanis
Urooj
Published September 3, 2026 · Last reviewed September 3, 2026 · 2 min read
Should you apply?
Check the essential facts before investing time in this application.
- Pakistan eligibility
- Eligible
- Funding
- Fully Funded
- Deadline
- Varies by country
- Study level
- High School
- Destination
- United States, Pakistan
- Application fee
- Free
Can Pakistani students apply? Eligible
Pakistan is explicitly listed as an eligible country in the program announcement.
Full eligibility, funding and application guide+
Funding breakdown
| Benefit | Coverage | Amount | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airfare | Round-trip airfare | Not stated | None stated |
| Accommodation | Placement with a US host family | Not stated | None stated |
| Tuition | US High school tuition fees | Not stated | None stated |
| Insurance | Health and Accident insurance | Not stated | None stated |
Complete eligibility check
- Eligible nationalities
- Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Kosovo, Malaysia, North Macedonia, Pakistan
- Destination
- United States, Pakistan
- Degree levels
- High School
- Fields of study
- All fields
- Minimum GPA
- Not confirmed in the available source
- Age requirement
- Not confirmed in the available source
- Language requirements
- English communication skills
- Other conditions
- Must be enrolled in high school, Must not have previously traveled to the USA, Must meet J1 visa requirements
How selection works
The process includes an English proficiency test, a proctored essay, a full application, an interview, and a final merit review.
- Academic record (min 60%)
- English proficiency
- Essay performance
- Interview performance
Frequently asked questions
Sources and verification
Scholarshiply separates supplied facts from interpretation. Always recheck the official terms before submission.
Opportunities Radar
Supports: The program is fully funded and targets high school students from specific countries including Pakistan.
Open sourceLast reviewed: 9/3/2026
Still unconfirmed: required documents, application steps, application timeline
Turn this article into an application plan
Check your fit, prepare documents and track every deadline.
The Kennedy Lugar YES Exchange Program 2027 is a fully funded cultural and academic exchange initiative supported by the U.S. Department of State. This 6-month program invites Pakistani high school students to study in the United States from January to June 2027. As a participant, you will live with an American host family and attend a local secondary school, allowing you to immerse yourself in American culture while representing your home country.
Can Pakistani Students Apply?
Yes, Pakistani students are explicitly eligible to participate in the Kennedy Lugar YES Exchange Program 2027. You must be a citizen of Pakistan and currently enrolled in a high or secondary school.
What the Funding Covers
This is a fully funded program, meaning you do not pay for your participation. The scholarship includes the following support:
- Round-trip airfare
- Placement with a vetted American host family
- US high school tuition fees
- Comprehensive health and accident insurance
- Participation in program activities and local leadership workshops
Who Is Eligible
Eligibility criteria are strictly enforced to ensure a successful exchange experience. To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a national of Pakistan
- Be currently enrolled in secondary school
- Hold an academic score of at least 60%
- Demonstrate strong English communication skills
- Meet all requirements for a US J1 exchange visitor visa
- Have not previously traveled to the USA
Students who have already graduated from high school are not eligible to apply. You must also be prepared to commit to the full semester-long duration of the program.
How the Selection Works
Selection is merit-based and follows a multi-stage evaluation process. You will be assessed through:
- An English proficiency test
- A proctored essay submission
- A comprehensive program application
- A personal interview
- Final merit-based review
How to Apply
To begin your application, visit the official YES program website and select Pakistan from the list of eligible countries. Follow the instructions to complete your application and submit all required documentation before your specific local deadline. For guidance on preparing your application essays, you can review tips on our essays page.
Shoaib Mehdi is the editor behind Scholarshiply. He holds a bachelor's degree in Informatics from the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague in Czechia. Combining his technology background with first-hand experience of studying abroad, he researches international scholarships and turns complex announcements into practical, Pakistan-focused application guidance. His goal is to help students find credible opportunities, understand requirements, and approach the application process with confidence.
For partnerships, advertising, promotions, and other business inquiries, email shoaibuu@aol.com.
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